Sheffield Wednesday are keen on Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole, but the player’s high wages are an issue and providing an obstacle to the signing as reported by the Shields Gazette.
Cattermole has two years remaining on his current deal at the Stadium of Light and is believed to be one of the clubs highest earners. He is also in line for a testimonial this summer and with Sunderland set for another season in League One the report claims they are looking to cut their wage bill putting Cattermole’s future in doubt.
Wednesday boss Steve Bruce knows the player well having worked with him at both Sunderland and Wigan Athletic and according to the report, the Championship club have been tracking the experienced and combative midfielder for some time, but his wages could prove to be an issue that cools their interest.
Cattermole has made two-hundred and sixty-one appearances in all competitions for the Black Cats since joining from Wigan in the summer of 2009. It appeared his ten-year stay on Wearside was coming to an end last summer, but a move never materialised, and he quickly established himself as a lynchpin in the side that narrowly missed out on promotion back to the Championship contributing seven goals in thirty-six appearnces from the middle of the park.
Known for his aggressive style, the tough tackler recently claimed that at thirty-one ‘maybe I’m a bit calmer now.’
Our View
Cattermole often splits opinion amongst Sunderland fans, but there is little doubt he has been a great servant to the club.
He is on high wages, and the club will be keen to get him off the payroll and put their faith in younger and cheaper squad members.
It is not the first time that his current contract has been an issue with a move away and it will be interesting to see if any club rates him enough to tempt him to leave Sunderland.
Bruce is obviously a fan but if a deal comes off, Wednesday fans are likely to be as split over the player as those on Wearside.
